Alabama

Thousands advised to stay inside in Georgia, Alabama

Published

2 months ago

February 15, 2026

Thousands advised to stay inside in Georgia, Alabama

Thousands of residents across parts of Georgia and Alabama have been urged to stay inside, as of Sunday, February 15, at 4.30 a.m. (ET). This is because a pocket of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) has reached “unhealthy” levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its AirNow map—which monitors and communicates the quality of air across the United States.

Areas Affected by PM2.5

According to the AirNow map, in Georgia, the city of Columbus and nearby communities like Buena Vista and Hamilton, and also parts of the Georgia State Route 185, are under “unhealthy” air quality warnings.

In Alabama, the towns and cities of Auburn, Pittsview, Eufaula, and Hurtsboro have also received the same warning.

Advice for Those in ‘Unhealthy’ Air Quality Areas

When the quality of air reaches “unhealthy” levels, the EPA advises everyone living in affected areas to limit their exposure to the outdoor air until conditions improve.

They should reduce the length and intensity of all outdoor activities—like walking instead of running, for example—but those in vulnerable groups, which include the elderly, children, and people with existing heart or lung conditions, should avoid outdoor activities altogether.

What Is PM2.5?

PM2.5 are tiny particles of airborne pollution that are considered, by the EPA, to be one of the most dangerous types. This is because the polluted particles are so small—2.5 micrometers, or less—they can be unknowingly inhaled, entering deep into the lungs, or even the bloodstream, worsening health conditions like asthma, or triggering symptoms ranging from chest tightness and shortness of breath, to coughing, sneezing, and eye, throat, and nose irritation.

The EPA hasn’t confirmed what could be causing elevated levels of PM2.5 across Georgia and Alabama at the time of publishing, but it can come from multiple sources. These include emissions from vehicles and power or industrial plants, dust from unpaved roads and construction sites, or smoke from wildfires or smokestacks.

How the EPA Measures Air Quality

The EPA measures air quality across America using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a standardized scale, ranging from 0 to 500, that measures and categorizes the quality of air from “good” to “hazardous.”

Good (0-50): Air quality is fine and poses little or no health risk to the public.

Moderate (51-100): Air quality is acceptable, but there could be a moderate health risk for a small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150): Members of vulnerable groups—including children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease—may experience adverse health effects, while the general public is less likely to be affected.

Unhealthy (151-200): Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and members of vulnerable groups may experience more serious effects.

Very Unhealthy (201-300): When air quality reaches these levels, it triggers a health alert, as the risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

Hazardous (301-500): A health warning of emergency conditions is raised, as the entire population will be more than likely affected.

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Alabama

Prattville 19 year old creates Alabama Children’s Theatre

Published

2 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Prattville 19 year old creates Alabama Children’s Theatre

PRATTVILLE, Ala. (WSFA) – Maggie Kervin has a passion for the theater. She started as a little girl and loved it ever since.

“I went to Prattville Christian Academy and got my start in theater there,” said Kervin.

After graduating from high school, she got a job, but noticed something was missing in her community. So, she started the Alabama Children’s Theatre. Keep in mind she’s just 19 years old.

At 19 years old, Prattville native Maggie Kervin found a unique way to give back. She started the Alabama Children’s Theatre.(WSFA)

“There’s just not a lot of opportunities for kids in theater. I really wanted to provide that opportunity.”

Two years ago, she had $50 in her pocket and a dream. Now things are picking up steam and she’s enjoying the ride. This is for kids between the ages of five and 18. Right now, they’re working on Annie Jr.

“We’ve had so many kids why are shy and timid the first time they are one stage. When it’s their third or fourth time, they are very different.”

It’s different for her too. She’s used to being the one up on stage. Now she’s behind the computer, with them for every word, in every song.

At 19 years old, Prattville native Maggie Kervin found a unique way to give back. She started... — At 19 years old, Prattville native Maggie Kervin found a unique way to give back. She started the Alabama Children’s Theatre.(WSFA)

“I didn’t think I’d ever be in the position of running my own theater.”

The reward for Maggie, getting to see her always improving stars, continue to shine.

“It’s just so exciting to see them put the hard work into something and watch it blossom. They are so excited and so dedicated.”

You can check out Annie Jr. this month. The shows are at the Pine Level Community Center.

She’s hoping you come see them for yourself, at the Pine Level Community Center. Here’s a link to show times and ticket prices for the end of the month. Her next goal is to find a facility of their own one day. Visit the Facebook page if you’d like to help make that happen.

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Alabama

Listen to Alabama Shakes’ New Protest Song “American Dream”

Published

14 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Listen to Alabama Shakes’ New Protest Song “American Dream”

Last year, Alabama Shakes returned with “Another Life,” their first original track in 10 years. Now they’ve followed it up with a protest song titled “American Dream.” Brittany Howard’s lyrics reference gun violence, abortion rights, climate change, the wage gap, and President Donald J. Trump’s White House renovations. Take a listen below.

In a press statement, Howard described “American Dream” as “a snapshot of what we’re living through in 2026.” She continued, “I look around and wonder how we got to a place where there’s so much strain and so little support. I mean, it shouldn’t be impossible to take off work so you can bring your child to the doctor—that’s actually insane. My hope is that one day people will hear this song and say, ‘Yeah, shit was crazy back then, but we made it through.’”

Alabama Shakes’ last album was 2015’s Sound & Color. Next week, the trio of Howard, Heath Fogg, and Zac Cockrell kick off a North American tour that runs through mid-June. They’ll then play shows in Europe and the United Kingdom in July.

Revisit the review of Howard’s 2024 solo album What Now.

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Alabama

Alabama Fair and Fiesta in Pelham offers sensory nook for families with sensory issues

Published

1 day ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Alabama Fair and Fiesta in Pelham offers sensory nook for families with sensory issues

PELHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama Fair and Fiesta, which runs through April 19, kicked off Thursday night at the site of the former Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham.

In addition to offering rides and entertainment, this fair offers a respite for families with sensory issues.

From sweet funnel cakes to savory meats, there’s something for everyone, including a “sensory nook” for individuals with sensory issues.

Kissel Entertainment’s fair has been “sensory inclusive” certified by KultureCity.

The only thing you hear inside this KultureCity certified space is the white noise of the air conditioning unit humming overhead.

Paris Kissel with Kissel Entertainment says this room has gotten a lot of visits in the cities they’ve visited:

“Dozens of times a day,” she explained. “I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that someone’s not requesting to use the room, so we’re really proud. We know there’s a need there, and to be able to provide a solution.”

Guests can also check out a “sensory bag” at the Welcome Center located near the entrance to the midway.

“For this year we have headphones,” she explained. “We have communications cards which are a big thing of helping folks that are nonverbal express any of their needs while they’re with us ,we have fidget spinners, tools like that, things to emotionally regulate people who have sensory deprivation.”

The calming space is also appealing to young families who don’t have sensory issues like Aeriel Cole, who arrived at the fair with her husband and a 4-month-old and a 2-year-old in tow.

“I just had a baby myself,” Cole explained. “And I know how overwhelming all this can be, the lines, the chaos, and all the things that the fair brings, this a great little relaxing place that the mom can go to.”

Kissel Entertainment is the only carnival provider in the U.S. is sensory inclusive certified. Kissel said she wishes more carnivals were certified.

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